BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF MAY 13, 2026
Council Chambers, City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue
Regular Meetings – 3:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING – 3:30 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Weir, and Koman
Absent: Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Smith and Bashirtash
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
Jeff Miller spoke regarding ambulance medical services billing.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
3. APPOINTMENTS
None.
4. REPORTS
4.a. Presentation regarding the Certified 6th Cycle Housing Element Annual Progress Report and required Code Amendments.
(Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the presentation.)
Development Services Director Burns made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
City Manager Clegg made additional comments.
Economic Development Director Byers made additional comments.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to receive and file. Motion approved with Vice Mayor Kaur and Councilmembers Smith and Bashirtash absent.
5. CLOSED SESSION
5.a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) regarding Rocky Legault; Dominic Ledesma v. City of Bakersfield; Does 1 to 25. Kern County Superior Court Case No.
BCV-25-100236
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to adjourn to Closed Session at 4:01 p.m.
Closed Session meeting was adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 4:58 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 2
6. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
5.a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) regarding Rocky Legault; Dominic Ledesma v. City of Bakersfield; Does 1 to 25. Kern County Superior Court Case No.
BCV-25-100236
City Attorney Gennaro announced No Reportable Action with Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Weir and Koman present.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 4:59 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 3
REGULAR MEETING - 5:15 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Weir, and Koman
Absent: Councilmembers Smith and Bashirtash
2. INVOCATION
By Pastor Ricky Wilson, Grace Baptist Church.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Olga Hernandez, Recreation and Parks, City Hall Apprentice.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Goh requested presentations be moved after Hearings. See page 10.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Bill Cooper, Stephen Montgomery, and Delia Dee Dominguez spoke regarding Kern River Flows and Restoration.
2. Kazuya Kinjo Buckland spoke regarding Harris Road safety.
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
6.a.1. Approval of minutes of April 22, 2026, Regular City Council Meetings and May 4, 2026, Department Budget Presentation Meeting.
(Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
b. Payments:
6.b.1. Receive and file department payments from April 8, 2026, to April 28, 2026, totaling $32,699,658.93 as follows: department payments in the amount of $31,923,031.53 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $776,627.40. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
6.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between April 8, 2026, to April 28, 2026.
(Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
6.c.1. First reading of an ordinance amending Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 1.12.010 by adding Annexation No. 709 consisting of approximately 105 gross acres generally located on the southwest corner of White Lane and South Union Avenue. (Ward 1) (Staff recommends first reading of the ordinance.)
FR ONLY
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 4
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.c.2. First Reading of the following ordinances amending various sections of the Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC)
(Staff recommends first reading of the proposed ordinance amendments and its accompanying Notice of Exemption.)
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 8 & 9.
1. An ordinance enacting Section 8.27.012 relating to Lead and Substandard Complaints.
2. An ordinance amending Title 17, Sections 17.04.200 and 17.04.235 and adding Section 17.04.356 relating to Definitions; amending Sections
17.10.020 and 17.10.040 relating to Residential Zones; amending Section
17.24.020 relating to Uses permitted in the Regional Commercial Zone (C-2); amending Section 17.25.020 relating to Uses permitted in the Central Business Zone (C-B); amending Section 17.26.020 relating to Uses permitted in the Commercial Center Zone (C-C); amending Section 17.58.015 relating to Residential Parking Requirements; amending Section 17.64.060 relating to Director review and approval permits and conditional use permits-Hearing- Decision and findings; and amending Section 17.73.040 relating to Approval findings.
d. Resolutions:
6.d.1. Resolution confirming approval by the City Manager designee of the Code Enforcement Manager’s report regarding assessments of certain properties in the City for which structures have been secured against entry or for the abatement of certain weeds, debris and waste matter and the demolishment of dangerous buildings and authorizing collection of the assessments by the Kern County Tax Collector. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 051-2026
6.e. Job Specifications and Salary Updates
6.e.1. Resolution Approving Salaries and Benefits for Related Fire Units 5.13.26 (Staff recommends adoption of the resolutions.)
1. Amendment No. 1 to Resolution No. 12-2026 Approving the Memorandum of Understanding, Setting Salaries and related Benefits for Firefighter and Engineers Represented by the Bakersfield Professional Fire Association.
RES 012-2026 (1)
2. Amendment No. 1 to Resolution No. 13-2026 Approving the Memorandum of Understanding, Setting Salaries and related benefits for Supervisory Employees represented by the Bakersfield Professional Fire Association.
RES 013-2026 (1)
6.e.2. Resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding, Setting Salaries and related benefits for Employees Represented by the Bakersfield Police Officers Association.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 052-2026
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 5
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f. Agreements
6.f.1. Agreement with Garden Pathways (not to exceed $1,480,000) to provide Outreach and Intensive Case Management Services under the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Cohort 5 Grant.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-069
6.f.2. Agreement with Community Action Partnership of Kern (not to exceed $375,000) to provide Participant Support Services under the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Cohort 5 Grant.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-070
6.f.3. Agreement with Wendale Davis Foundation (not to exceed $451,000) to provide Outreach Services under the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Cohort 5 Grant.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-071
6.f.4. Agreement with LSL, LLP (not to exceed $106,630) for a full scope annual audit for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-072
6.f.5. Final Map and Improvement Agreement with Summit Capital Ventures, Inc., for Tract 7042 Phase 2 Developer is requesting to enter into an agreement so the final map located northeast corner of Buena Vista Road and McCutchen Road can be approved and recorded. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, Improvement and Landscape agreements.)
AGR 2026-073, DEEDS 9990, 9991, 9992, 9993
6.f.6. Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement with Deertrail Brooke Pointe, LLC for Tract 7136 Phase 3 and 4 Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map located on the Northeast corner of Old River Road and McCutchen Road can be approved and recorded. (Ward 5) (Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, and Improvement and Landscape agreements.)
AGR 2026-074, AGR 2026-075, DEEDS 9866, 9867, 9864, 9865
6.f.7. Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement with Deertrail Abbey Court 1, LLC for Tract 7152, Phase 4 Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map located at the northeast corner of South Fairfax Road and East Wilson Road, can be approved and recorded. (Ward 1) (Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, and Improvement and Landscape agreements.)
AGR 2026-076, AGR 2026-077, DEEDS 10010, 10011, 10012, 10013
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 6
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.8. Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement with RGF Land Company, Inc., for Tract 7263 Phase 4 Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map located at the northeast corner of Reliance Drive and Berkshire Road can be approved and recorded. (Ward 7)
(Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, and Improvement and Landscape agreements.)
AGR 2026-078, AGR 2026-079, DEEDS 10005, 10006, 10007, 10008, 10009
6.f.9. Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement with JP Land Development, LLC Tract 7296 Phase 1 Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map located south side of Olive Drive, west of Rosedale Ranch Parkway can be approved and recorded.. (Ward 4)
(Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, and Improvement and Landscape agreements.)
AGR 2026-080, AGR 2026-081, DEEDS 9999, 10000, 10001, 10002, 10003
6.f.10. Final Map and Improvement Agreement with JP Land Development, LLC Tract 7296 Phase 2 Developer is requesting to enter into an agreement so the final map located south side of Olive Drive, west of Rosedale Ranch Parkway can be approved and recorded (Ward 4)
(Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, and Improvement agreement.)
AGR 2026-082, DEEDS 9994, 9995, 9996, 9997, 9998
6.f.11. Transportation Impact Fee credit agreement with Deertrail Development, LLC (not to exceed $93,211.95), for improvements constructed on Gosford Road. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-083
6.f.12. Demolition of an approximate 16,127 square feet., commercial building located at 525 Union Ave
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement and appropriation.)
1. Approve agreement with Bowen Engineering & Environmental (not to exceed $202,500) for the said project.
AGR 2026-084
2. Appropriate $170,000 from PSVS Project Savings to Development Services Department PSVS Operating Budget. (Ward 2)
6.f.13. Approval of Electrical Facilities Cost Sharing Agreement TRR 06-5-DL08 with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for State Routes 58, 99, 178, 184 and 204.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-085
6.f.14. Approval of Agreement PSMA-5-06-Ker-204-DL01 with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to identify maintenance responsibilities for the features and improvements constructed or installed in Caltrans’ right-of-way as part of the State Route 204 Enhancement Project.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-086
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 7
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.15. Amendment No. 2 to No. FD24-005 with Premier Overhead Door and Gates (not to exceed amount of $175,000) for maintenance, repair, and replacement of Bakersfield Fire Station apparatus overhead doors.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2026-087
6.f.16. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. PW25-088 with Trinity Consultants (increase compensation $150,000; revised not to exceed $210,000, and extend term to June 30, 2027) for specialized consulting services.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2026-088
6.f.17. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2024-210 with Griffin Structures, Inc. ($1,184,806; revised not to exceed $6,946,360 and extend term for one year), for continued Construction Management and Design for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Community Center and Park Revitalization Project. (Ward 2)
AGR 2024-210 (2)
6.f.18. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-068 with Kern Asphalt Paving and Sealing Company Inc. (increasing compensation by $1,000,000; revised not to exceed $3,340,000 and extend the term to May 14, 2027), to provide transportation services for the Public Works Department, Street Division.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-068 (1)
6.f.19. Contract Change Order No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-280 with Johnson Controls, Inc. (increase compensation $78,018; revised not to exceed $209,138), to repair, rebuild and test compressor No. 2 that was damaged during an event at the Dignity Health Arena. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of contract change order.)
AGR 2023-280 CCO 1
6.f.20. Contract Change Order No. 184 to Agreement No. 19-069 with Security Paving Company (increasing compensation by $301,500; revised not to exceed $152,637,504.59) for the Centennial Corridor Mainline Project. (Wards 1, 2, & 3) (Staff recommend approval of the contract change order.)
AGR 19-069 CCO 184
6.g. Bids:
6.g.1. Accept Proposal and Approve Contract with Titus Maintenance and Installation Services, Inc. (not to exceed $350,000), for providing equipment maintenance services for City’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). (Ward 1) (Staff recommends acceptance of proposal and approval of agreement.)
AGR 2026-089
6.g.2. Accept bid from Lehr Upfitters OpCo LLC, Sacramento Ca, ($446,816.71) for Panasonic CF-33 Laptop Computer Bundle and Accessories for the Police Department.
(Staff recommends acceptance of the bid.)
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 8
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.h. Miscellaneous:
6.h.1. Appropriate $393,026 from Public Works Enterprise Fund to Materials Recovery Facility Sorting Line upgrade for a total not to exceed amount of $5,540,960 to fund revised design details for redesign and upgrade
(Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.h.2. Appropriate $10,000 Fire Trust Fund-Fire Recovery Fee for the purchase of outdoor equipment.
(Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.h.3. Purchase of a Caterpillar bucket for the Streets Division within the Public Works Department (unbudgeted)
(Staff recommends approval of the appropriation and purchase.)
1. Purchase of an unbudgeted Caterpillar bucket for the Streets Division within the public Works Department.
2. Appropriate $1,994 to the Public Works Department’s Operating Budget within the Equipment Management Fund to complete the purchase.
6.i. Successor Agency Business:
None.
6.j. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure:
None.
City Clerk Drimakis announced that Consent Calendar items 6.e.1. and 6.e.2. contains a staff recommendation to adopt resolutions approving salaries and benefits for specified units.
City Clerk Drimakis announced a staff memorandum was provided regarding Consent Calendar item 6.c.2. transmitting an updated ordinance.
Councilmember Koman requested Consent Calendar item 6.c.2. be removed for separate consideration.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 6.a. through 6.j. with the removal of item 6.c.2. for separate consideration. Motion approved with Councilmembers Smith and Bashirtash absent.
6.c.2. First Reading of the following ordinances amending various sections of the Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC)
(Staff recommends first reading of the proposed ordinance amendments and its accompanying Notice of Exemption.)
1. An ordinance enacting Section 8.27.012 relating to Lead and Substandard Complaints.
FR ONLY
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 9
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
item 6.c.2. continued
2. An ordinance amending Title 17, Sections 17.04.200 and 17.04.235 and adding Section 17.04.356 relating to Definitions; amending Sections
17.10.020 and 17.10.040 relating to Residential Zones; amending Section
17.24.020 relating to Uses permitted in the Regional Commercial Zone (C-2); amending Section 17.25.020 relating to Uses permitted in the Central Business Zone (C-B); amending Section 17.26.020 relating to Uses permitted in the Commercial Center Zone (C-C); amending Section 17.58.015 relating to Residential Parking Requirements; amending Section 17.64.060 relating to Director review and approval permits and conditional use permits-Hearing- Decision and findings; and amending Section 17.73.040 relating to Approval findings.
FR ONLY
Building Director Burns provided staff comments.
Motion by Councilmember Koman to approve Consent Calendar item 6.c.2.
Motion approved with Councilmembers Smith and Bashirtash absent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
8. HEARINGS
8.b. Continued Public Hearing to consider a resolution adopting Sewer User Rates for Fiscal Years 2026-2 through 2030-31.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
City Manager Clegg made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
City Clerk Drimakis announced the City’s Prop 218 noticing and protest procedures concerning the proposed sewer rate increase.
The following speakers spoke in opposition to staff's recommendation:
Olivia Nazarson, Darryle Abbott, Jayme Seager, Claire Collins (written materials), Debbie Busby, Abby Power, Arturo Saldana, Juan Saldana, Tami McClelen, Catalina Maldonado, Wendy Harrison and Kennia Mouzon
No one spoke in favor to staff’s recommendations.
Public Hearing item 8.b. closed at 6:29 p.m.
Mayor called for a recess at 6:29 p.m. meeting was reconvened at 6:33 p.m.
Vice Mayor Kaur left the meeting at 7:19 p.m.
City Clerk Drimakis announced that we have not received 50 percent plus one protest ballots.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to deny the sewer rate increase. Motion failed.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to continue the matter until May 27, 2026, for further staff review, Council discussion and action. Motion approved with Vice Mayor Kaur and Councilmembers Smith and Bashirtash absent and Councilmember Weir voting no.
Mayor called for a recess at 7:20 p.m. meeting was reconvened at 7:25 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 10
8. HEARINGS continued
Item 8.b. continued
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to deny the sewer rate increase. Motion approved with Councilmembers Smith and Bashirtash absent.
8.a. Public Hearing to consider resolution authorizing Permanent Local Housing Allocation 5 year-Year Plan amendment and receive public comments. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 053-2026
Economic Community Development Director Byers made staff comments.
Public Hearing item 8.a. opened at 7:27 p.m.
No one spoke in opposition or support to staff's recommendation.
Public Hearing item 8.a. closed at 7:27 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to adopt staff recommendations. Motion approved with Vice Mayor Kaur and Councilmembers Smith and Bashirtash absent and Councilmember Weir voting no.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Proclamation to Paul Archer, Assistant Director of Public Works at the City of Bakersfield, declaring the week of May 17, 2026, as National Public Works Week in Bakersfield.
9. REPORTS
None.
10. DEFERRED BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
None.
12. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
Councilmember Gonzales expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department.
Councilmembers Gonzales requested staff prepare a strategy to address the recurring warehouse fires at the former Calcot facility with the property owner to prevent future fires and present it to the City Council.
Councilmember Koman supported Councilmember Gonzales referral and requested the strategy include a component to ensure the immediate cleanup of all fire debris.
Councilmember Koman expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department and promoting to the community job availability.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 11
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m. in honor of Public Service Week.
______________________________
KAREN GOH
MAYOR of the City of Bakersfield
ATTEST:
___________________________________
JULIE DRIMAKIS, MMC
CITY CLERK and Ex Officio Clerk of
the Council of the City of Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California, May 13, 2026 - Page 12
***THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK***